Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens 232: Encore: Getting into College with Special Guest Rick Clark
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Aug 12, 2025 Rick Clark, Executive Director for Strategic Student Access at Georgia Tech and co-author of 'The Truth About College Admissions,' shares his expertise on the college admissions process. He discusses the importance of early course selection and maintaining strong academic performance amid evolving admission standards. The conversation highlights the value of personal essays in showcasing individuality and the rising concern over college costs versus return on investment. Clark also offers strategies to reduce stress for both students and parents during this crucial journey.
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Plan Early, Focus On Fundamentals
- Choose courses in middle school with high school trajectory in mind to keep options open.
- Be a good student and community member in 9th–10th grade; that foundation matters most to admissions.
There Is No Single Admissions Formula
- There is no single formula that guarantees admission; schools value very different profiles.
- Holistic review finds both hyper-focused students and those with broad achievements compelling.
Selective Schools Distort The Bigger Picture
- Application volumes have exploded for some schools, drastically lowering admit rates despite national averages.
- Media focus on ultra-selective schools distorts how competitive higher education truly is overall.
